There is an extended literature about sexual dimorphism in child behavior, including
studies regarding atypical gender patterns or gender non-conformity. This study proposal was
elaborated upon discussions about the relation between gender and homosexual behavior.
However, it was noted the need to broaden the knowledge over child gender differences
through different methodologies in the investigation of gender typical behavior and the
influence of these differences upon children social relations. There were made three studies.
In the first one, the methodologies of observation and interview were compared, in which it
was verified that most playful behaviors occurred among children of the same sex and that
some were more common for a specific gender. It was also observed that the contend of
interviews were culturally influenced. In the second study two structured instruments were
applied to measure gender, being found that there are some plays preferred by each sex and
that the child usually identify itself and prefer to play with children of the same sex. In the
third study the non-verbal behavior of mixed dyads was analyzed using three different
protocols. The results indicated differences between sexes regarding behaviors but the
communication effort and the rapport was similar. In general, it was found that there are many
similarities in the general behavior between sexes, however in deeper analysis it is possible to
identify specific patterns of each gender, especially regarding play styles and non-verbal
behavior. Finally, the methods used have advantages and disadvantages that must be
considered when choosing and combining methodologies for future researches.
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